Waking up with the Kings: March 4

-Games decided by one-goal that feature quality goaltending, surpluses of blocked shots and excellent compete levels at both ends are part of the Western Conference’s playoff constitution, and last night’s 2-1 Los Angeles win over Montreal represented a step forward in that regard. It was among the most well-played games by both teams that the Kings have been involved in this season, and while L.A. had been collecting points prior to Monday, both Saturday’s and Monday’s games represented a significant step forward in the level of play when compared to the Columbus, Colorado and Calgary games. The Kings shut down one of the hotter power plays in the league as part of a puck possession-led defensive effort that had only one fluky blemish: a pinballing puck that deflected off Jonathan Quick’s blocker and Jarret Stoll’s skate before bouncing into the back of the net.

-Was that the best start to a Kings game this season? The pace at which the Kings operated through the first 10 minutes of the first period was lightning quick, and Jake Muzzin benefited from the game’s cadence by joining a swift transition to score on a wristshot from the top of the left circle during a four-on-three rush. Shortly afterwards, Los Angeles demonstrated some of its best offensive zone puck protection in any shift this season. Drew Doughty was denied on a Grade-A opportunity from the right circle with an arm save by Peter Budaj during a stretch of nearly a full minute of sustained offensive zone time, and by the time Kyle Clifford foughty Jarred Tinordi midway through the period, Los Angeles had out-attempted Montreal in shots, 13-5. Though the Canadiens seized some momentum after the fight and ultimately tied the game late in the period, the speed, transition and rhythm that the Kings maintained through the first 10 minutes of the game was about as good as any pace they effectively worked with at any point this season.

-Drew Doughty was outstanding on Monday, and there’s probably some substance behind his remark on December 10 that “In order for us to win, I think I have to outplay P.K.” Whether or not he uses a matchup against Subban and the Habs as motivation, he was terrific in all zones of the ice with and without the puck. On the power play he pulled strings, distributed the puck effectively and was able to create shooting lanes against the NHL’s best shot blocking team. It’s not a coincidence that he was on the ice for both Kings goals.